(Fort McMurray, AB, May 2, 2019) Fort McMurray Public School District (FMPSD) congratulates Scott Barr, Principal, and Thomas Andrews, Vice Principal, École McTavish Public High school on winning the Distinguished Leadership Award presented by the Council for School Leadership (CSL) of the Alberta Teachers' Association.

The CSL is “committed to the promotion and advancement of excellent practices in educational leadership. The CSL Distinguished Leadership Awards create a learning community of outstanding principals and assistant principals throughout Alberta who can share professionally, interact collegially and act as mentors to new colleagues.”

Both Barr and Andrews have been long-term FMPSD staffers, and were ecstatic to hear about the award.

'I'm honoured to be recognized by the Council of School Leadership. I have had the pleasure of working with some strong FMPSD leaders over the years; and am thankful for their ability to help develop me as a leader,” noted Barr, who has been with the District for 23 years.

“I am also very thankful to have worked with so many great staff members who have made being in leadership fulfilling and enjoyable - daily. It is even more special to win in the same year as Thomas, who has been both a student of mine, and now a colleague, through my FMPSD career,” Barr continued.

Andrews echoed similar sentiments.

‘It is very humbling to be nominated for this award, even more so to be selected alongside Scott, who I work with daily, and who was actually my teacher (junior high) and coach (high school) growing up. I’ve always put relationships at the forefront of what I feel is integral to leadership. FMPSD has many amazing role models when it comes to leadership, and there are numerous deserving candidates. Therefore, I am truly honoured by this selection,” enthused Andrews.

Doug Nicholls, Superintendent, FMPSD, congratulated both winners.

“Scott and Thomas are leading an incredible team at McTavish. This honour speaks to their dedication and commitment to the school and the District. It is a well-deserved award for both men,” Superintendent Nicholls commented.

Barr and Andrews will receive the awards at a gala event in Edmonton on May 24, 2019.